Real Madrid could reportedly re-sign Real Sociedad attacker Takefusa Kubo for just €30m (£26m) during next summer's transfer window.
The Japan international arrived at Los Blancos from FC Tokyo in 2019, but he failed to make a single first-team appearance during his time at Bernabeu.
Kubo spent time out on loan with Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe while contracted to Real Madrid, before completing a permanent move to Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022.
The 22-year-old has impressed during his time with the Basque outfit, scoring 14 goals and registering 11 assists in 54 appearances in all competitions.
Last season, Kubo managed nine goals and nine assists in 44 appearances in all competitions, while he has five goals and two assists in 10 outings during the 2023-24 campaign.
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The forward has a contract with Real Sociedad until June 2027, but his release clause is believed to be just €60m (£52m).
Manchester United are believed to be interested, with the Red Devils said to view him as a possible replacement for Jadon Sancho, who is widely expected to leave in January.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the forward is very much on the radar of former club Real Madrid, with the capital giants planning a move next summer.
The report claims that Los Blancos still own 50% of the player's rights, meaning that only half of his buy-out fee would be required to bring him back to the club next year.
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Kubo would allegedly only be interested in returning to Bernabeu if he was offered a starting role, having been left frustrated by his first spell at the club.
The attacker will reportedly wait until a potential new manager for Real Madrid is confirmed before deciding whether he wants to return for the 2024-25 campaign.
Kubo is capable of operating in a number of different positions in the final third of the field, but he has largely played off the right this season, scoring five times in eight La Liga appearances.
Real Madrid do not currently play with wingers, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti instead using Jude Bellingham behind a front two.
However, Rodrygo has expressed his unhappiness playing through the middle, while the formation is expected to be changed to make space for Kylian Mbappe, should he arrive from Paris Saint-Germain next year.
Matt Law
